Senior Infrastructure Specialist

The Senior Infrastructure Specialist leads and drives the development, operation and maintenance of infrastructure for Elementis in all Elementis' global operations including the US, UK, EU, Brazil, Taiwan and China. The infrastructure comprises network, server infrastructure, data centres and security protocols. The role is responsible for the roadmap planning of IT infrastructure, so it is maintained and developing in line with Elementis business strategy. Elementis is adapting its current managed service for its Infrastructure to start in early 2024 coinciding with the recruitment of this role. This expanded service will evolve the responsibility of the Senior Infrastructure Specialist to be working in partnership and supervision of the managed service provider to ensure they deploy their services effectively and to contract, in addition to being hands on with the technology.
Job DescriptionPosition in Organization Reports to Operations Senior Manager
Department: IT Operations
Responsibilities Technical vision & Infrastructure Policies:
Develop roadmap plans for existing infrastructure and take-on of new infrastructure components to ensure that it matches the requirements of Elementis business operations. Plan, in conjunction with managed service provider, for renewal, upgrade, licensing periods, end-of-life and contractual events and for the developing services of the provider. Ensure IT infrastructure is aligned with current and future system and business requirements and goals.Infrastructure service management:
Responsible for ensuring that appropriate service is provided to the business. This will be done in conjunction with the managed service provider delivering via an outsourced services contract that supplements the incumbent's capabilities. Managing the relationship between Elementis and the managed service provider and ensuring the combination of internal skill and services provides appropriate coverage and service levels. Monitor the performance of the service provider, ensuring that they meet the agreed-upon service levels and deliver in compliance with the contract. Identifying and resolving any issues that may arise with the service provider and partnering to understand direction of travel for infrastructure to enable creation of effective roadmaps. Collaborating with the service provider to continuously improve the quality of the services being delivered. Communicating with internal stakeholders to ensure that their needs are being met. Monitor daily operations of networks and infrastructure through the operating controls, partially delivered via a service provider. Set-up, configure and manage the elements of infrastructure managed in-house. Identify and ensure that issues are resolved that may affect the delivery or quality of infrastructure service, such as troubleshooting, support, maintenance or security incidents.Managing external services and parties:
Assess and make recommendations regarding the purchase of new and replacement hardware. Manage and optimise contracts with vendors, service providers and licenses. Establish and monitor service level agreements, key performance indicators (KPIs), and metrics to measure and improve the performance and quality of IT infrastructure services.Risk and controls:
Evaluate infrastructure risks and mitigations. Ensure that recovery, backup and disaster recovery processes and plans (including testing these plans) are performed. Ensure security of the network, data and storage and communication systems.Best practice:
Keep up to date with the latest IT trends, developments, and best practices, and ensure that the IT infrastructure is aligned with Elementis goals and strategies. Maintain logs, documentation and reports of activity (bugs, repairs, upgrades and other changes). Closely collaborate with security on infrastructure design and management. Maintain architecture and configuration documentation and processes using appropriate tooling and techniques.Decision making The role is the Elementis authority on IT infrastructure and the primary decision-maker on infrastructure operating model and practice and determining the performance of the managed service provider. This role procures infrastructure hardware, software and licenses some of which are through the managed service provider.
What will it takeCommercial, contractual and supplier management competences to monitor, challenge and optimise the service delivered by the service provider and to hold them to account for their performance according to contract. Optimizes work processes: knowing the most effective and efficient workflow for getting things done is key to making the most of tight resources; with a focus on continuous improvement. Problem-solving: Strong problem-solving aptitude is critical to address the daily situations that an IT infrastructure entails. Ability to move from strategy to details is a core competence in infrastructure as roadmaps & policies require a high-level view but resolving daily operational problems needs attention to details. Communicating effectively with stakeholders, such as senior management, vendors and users using written and verbal approaches is key in a global organization. Consistently focusing on driving results holding oneself accountable for the IT infrastructure.
Technical Knowledge and Skills Expertise in outsourced infrastructure managed services. Expertise in IT infrastructure. The principal competency is infrastructure technology and the way it works in multinational industrial companies. Knowledge of networks and cloud computing services. Project management is key competence for an IT role to ensure activity and projects are delivered on time and on budget, and stakeholder expectations are managed.
Position Requirements Education: Computer science, Information Systems or similar degree or professional qualification would be an advantage. Experience: 5+ Years of experience in IT Infrastructure Management or similar managerial role with demonstrable experience on IT infrastructure. IT Skills: Extensive competence in standard corporate infrastructure: datacentres, networks, firewalls, phone and printers. Elementis's core systems that run on the infrastructure are Microsoft, JD Edwards, ServiceNow and Workday. Language Skills: Verbal and written fluency in English. Working arrangements: Minimum 3 days a week in the office. Traveling required: Occasional travel to other Elementis sites as required.

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